Eskom woes add to rates increases
Increase in charges for bulk electricity and water have added to the increase in rates and service charges.
ADDRESSING the media on the approved 2015/16 budget, Mayor James Nxumalo said a significant contributory factor for the increase in levels of rates and service charges must be viewed in the context of the percentage increases of bulk purchases of both Eskom at 14.24 percent and Umgeni Water at 7.7 percent.
According to a report, the Municipality is opposed to Eskom’s proposal to implement further electricity increases and has called on National Treasury to intervene.
City Manager, Sibusiso Sithole, said the Municipality has reported the highest number of work opportunities totalling 134 883.
“Another example is the Zibambele Poverty Alleviation programme which has created about 6000 jobs. We have placed emphasis on youth and skills
development and have budgeted R65.8million for youth development initiatives with 2367 learners benefitting,” said Sithole.
Sithole said one of the Municipality’s long-term development goals is to build a safer city. He said last year, the Municipality committed to confront the increasing challenge of drug addiction which gives rise to various social ills.
“Working together with different stakeholders such as Non-Government Organisations, Metro Police, South African Police Services, Department of Health, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Social Development and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa and we succeeded in cleaning up area adjacent to the Berea Station and Albert Park.
“While our main focus is on law enforcement, we realise that the bigger issues of rehabilitation of young addicts and finding a home for all affected people, must be prioritised,” said Sithole.
